The first round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars will take place on May 2 at Ball Arena in Denver. The series score is 3-2 in favor of Dallas. Colorado vs. Dallas: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Colorado Avalanche
The team is on the brink of elimination from the Stanley Cup, having lost their last away game 2-6. Colorado narrowed the gap to just one goal, scoring twice within two minutes, but then conceded three more. Notable performances came from Nathan MacKinnon (1+1) and Martin Necas (0+2). In this playoff, the club is among the highest-scoring teams with 15 goals but struggles in power-play conversion (17.7%).
- Colorado has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 7 NHL home games.
- The team has not won after three periods in 5 of their last 6 home league games (3 draws, 2 losses).
- No more than four goals have been scored in regulation time in 6 of Colorado's last 7 NHL home games.
Dallas Stars
Peter DeBoer's team secured their second consecutive home win in this playoff, moving one step away from advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup. Mikko Rantanen (1+2) and Wyatt Johnston (2+1) each earned three points for Dallas. Notably, Dallas ranks among the best in penalty killing in this playoff (82.4%).
- Dallas has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in their last five NHL meetings on Colorado's ice.
- The club has lost 4 of their last 5 away league games (1 in OT).
- No more than four goals have been scored in regulation time in 4 of Dallas's last 6 NHL away games.
Colorado vs. Dallas: Match Prediction
In this series, Colorado has often looked more promising, but Dallas has relied on character to stay in the fight. It may not be illogical for Peter DeBoer's team to lead the series, but their opponent has not yet performed poorly enough to be eliminated from the Stanley Cup after five games. Therefore, I believe that at home, Colorado will give their all, and the home advantage will support them.
Dallas has not fared well in recent away games, losing 4 of their last 5 NHL matches (1 in OT). Colorado, on the other hand, has won 3 of the last 4 home meetings in the league (1 in OT).
Jared Bednar's team has no room for error, but I still doubt that Dallas can eliminate their opponent from the playoffs at this stage. My prediction: Colorado Avalanche to win the match
